Are you heading to Canggu on Bali’s west coast? It’s become a super popular place, but what is Canggu known for, and what are the best things to do in Canggu? I’m based in Nyanyi, a small village about 15 minutes away, and I’ve been exploring every nook and cranny to find the good stuff.
I’ve hit the beaches, explored the side streets, temples and markets. I go to a nearby yoga studio called Mission (I highly recommend this place), and I’m eating and dancing my way through Canggu’s top spots while spending evenings watching the sunset over the ocean.
I really love Canggu. You can literally find everything here, and it’s perfect for digital nomads and social butterflies to network and meet people. The drawback is the crowds; even in the low season, Canggu remains very busy.
Nevertheless, to find out what Canggu is known for, all the things to do and to decide if it’s the place for you, I’ve put together this Canggu guide!
P.S. Get to know more about me and my blog here.
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Are You Heading To Bali And Want To Know What Canggu Is Known For?
In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on what Canggu is known for and include 21 unique things to do so you can easily plan your trip! I’ll also cover topics like:
- How to get to Canggu and where to stay so you’re in the right spot
- How long should you visit Canggu to make the most of your trip
- Reasons why you shouldn’t visit Canggu
- Answer some common questions regarding Canggu so you can go prepared!
✈️ HOW TO MAKE TRIP PLANNING EASY?
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But First, What is Canggu Known For?
Canggu is a coastal town renowned for its laid-back, boho-casual, hipster scene, which is particularly popular among surfers and digital nomads.
It’s one of the top tourist destinations in Bali, lined with organic, eco-friendly restaurants, trendy cafes, and hip bars. With a relaxed atmosphere and a world-class surf break. It’s also a fantastic place for beachfront lounging.
🌟 My top pick >> Explore the best of the island and visit the top spots such as the Gates of Heaven, Tirta Gangga, Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Tegalalang rice terraces in this popular all inclusive day trip!
Sometimes referred to as an urban jungle, the area hugs the shoreline. The beaches are known for their sunsets, sparkling black sands and comfy bean bags, but the area is also popular for its wellness retreats, yoga studios and fitness centres offering a healthy sun-kissed lifestyle.
That said, Canggu also has an upbeat nightlife where many DJs go to perform live in bars and clubs! You’ll find chic Sunday markets, pop-up stalls and a great mix of east meets west.
21 Unique Things To Do (And Try) In Canggu, Bali
Now that you know what Canggu is known for, I’d like to explore all the cool and unique things you can do in the area!
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1. Try the Local food at a warung
It goes without saying that some of the most delicious food in Canggu is from local restaurants. Locally known as warungs, these pop up all over the place and can’t be missed.
One of my favourite warungs in Canggu is Warung Jaba on Pantai Batu Bolong Street. I recently visited Varuna Warung, which was also fantastic, closer to the beach and offered great value; a full plate of food cost IDR 65,000.
Some of our favourites include:
- The sticky fried tempeh,
- The garlic and ginger steamed beans
- Yellow curry.
Pro tip >> As well as great food choices the prices are always fantastic with a plate – filled to the top – never costing more than IDR 70,000, that’s around $3.80/£3. To make it even cheaper stick to tofu or tempeh with two sides of vegetables and a drink.
2. Don’t Miss: The Bakso soup with chicken feet – would you?
The bakso is a tasty noodle broth served with chicken or beef meatballs (and sometimes chicken feet). It’s the staple street food in Indonesia and is found on every street corner in little homemade cooking carts to restaurants.
Not for the faint-hearted and honestly not one of my favourite dishes but many people love it and therefore it has to be tried! It’s a local favourite and the locals just love to serve it.
Try: Bakso Iga Canggu on JI. Raya, prices start at 20,000 IDR a bowl, plus the views are phenomenal over the rice fields!
Pro tip >>The collagen in the chicken’s feet is meant to be great for skin and ageing (maybe that’s why the Balinese look so young?), which is always a bonus. If feet really aren’t your thing, then the bakso is tasty feet-free!
3. Don’t Miss: A Nasi Campur
A national dish or at least one of them! Nasi, meaning rice, and Campur, meaning mixed, is exactly what the dish is. It’s a selection of traditional flavours mixed on one plate, which is great for trying something authentic.
The sides vary, but in general, it will come with rice, garlic beans, fried tempeh, kebab, peanuts, meat in a curry sauce, a fried egg, sambal (hot sauce) and prawn crackers.
P.S. If you like really spicy food, head to Sol Rooftop Bali. It serves the spiciest nasi campur I’ve ever eaten! In truth a little too spicy for me but if you love spice head there!
4. Head To The Sunday Markets
Canggu is renowned for its bustling Sunday markets, which offer visitors the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs, clothing, accessories, jewellery, and locally made items.
These markets are a great way to experience the local culture, meet new people, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Canggu.
Two of my favourite Sunday markets in Canggu include:
- Love Anchor Market: trinkets, jewellery, clothes and accessories
- La Brisa Sunday Market: handmade crafts, cosmetics, vintage clothing, fresh fruit and vegetables, and bakery.
In essence, the Sunday markets in Canggu are a fantastic chance to engage with the community, enjoy live entertainment, and discover exceptional products.
⭐ BOOK: Unleash your creativity in a unique, hands-on silver jewellery-making class in the heart of Canggu.
Pro tip >> Find the fruit stalls and try the exotic fruit! Lesser-known kinds such as snake fruit and mangosteen. The mangosteen fast became my favourite! Other great fruits to try include dragon fruit, mango and passion fruit.
5. Visit Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple located on a rocky outcrop in the sea, just off the coast, about 30 minutes north of Canggu.
It was built in the 16th century and is dedicated to the Balinese sea gods, one of the seven sea temples that dot the southwestern coast of Bali.
We visited Tanah Lot for its sunset views, which are stunning and attract a lot of tourists, but it really is the best time to go (although we didn’t get much of a sunset due to the clouds!)
⭐ BOOK: Discover the significant spiritual and historical sites in Bali on this all-day private guided tour. First, stop at Tanah Lot!
Tanah Lot also has unique architecture and cultural significance for the locals who still use it during ceremonies.
The temple complex includes several shrines, pavilions, and gateways, as well as a freshwater spring that is believed to have healing properties. The area around the temple is also home to a number of shops, restaurants, and other attractions, making it a popular spot for a day trip.
6. Cafe Culture & Healthy Eats
Canggu and the surrounding villages are known for a thriving cafe culture. The area is home to numerous cafes, each with its own unique style and atmosphere.
Popular hangout spots for digital nomads, tourists, ex-pats, and locals alike, you’re going to find a relaxed and cosy atmosphere for socialising and working!
Most of the cafes in Canggu offer healthy and organic food options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes. You’ll be able to pick up a fresh coffee, smoothies or fresh juice to start your day off right!
Enjoying this blog? All my content is free, but I do spend a lot of time in coffee shops. If you’re finding my content helpful and would like to buy me a coffee, I’d love that! Thank you 🤗
7. Eat At Canggu’s Coolest Restaurants
Canggu is a popular destination for foodies and is known for its diverse range of cuisines, so you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Whether you’re in the mood for healthy eats, beachfront dining, or fine dining, you’re going to find something to hit the spot. Here are just a few of the many excellent restaurant options in Canggu:
- The Shady Shack: A vegetarian and vegan-friendly cafe with a relaxed garden atmosphere and healthy, plant-based dishes.
- La Brisa: A beach club and restaurant with an incredible oceanfront setting, serving up a mix of Asian and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Milk & Madu: A family-friendly cafe with a fun and casual atmosphere, known for its all-day breakfast menu, wood-fired pizzas, and great coffee.
- Penny Lane: A popular spot for brunch and dinner, with a tropical atmosphere and a great selection of cocktails.
- KYND Community Canggu: Creating delicious plant-based meals in a wonderful setting with a warm atmosphere.
- Parallele Kitchen & Radio: If you want to step outside of Canggu and go somewhere a little more chilled, head to Seseh; you might find me chilling here!
Pro tip >> Crate is one of the go-to spots for post-surf energy hits, lunch breaks, digital working and incredible dishes. It’s got a great vibe with an open lounge setting. Some options on the menu that are definitely worth trying are the breakfast sandwich, poached egg on toast, and pancake stack!
⭐ BOOK: Just down the road from Penny Lane is Inklusiv Warung. This place holds the best drag nights in Canggu. It’s a fun night out and for a good cause.
8. Don’t Miss: Smashed Avo At BAKED.Pererenan
My go-to breakfast is smashed avocado on sourdough bread with a poached egg, and the best one I got was at BAKED.Pererenan.
The sourdough bread there is the best! The portion is decent, and the bread is thick and garnished to perfection.
Pro tip >> They also serve delicious fresh fruit smoothies; the watermelon is particularly delicious! A meal will cost you around 120,000 IDR. BAKED.Pererenan can be here.
9. Don’t Miss: Passion fruit soda
Fresh passionfruit squeezed into a glass of ice-cold soda water is one thing not to miss in Canggu. You will find this drink everywhere, or just ask them to make it for you.
10. Don’t Miss: Smoothie Breakfast Bowl
Head over to the Shady Shack and try their berry blush smoothie bowl. It’s incredible, whoever came up with this idea is a genius! Think of a thick, iced fruit smoothie in a bowl, topped with granola, fresh fruit, and drizzled with honey.
It’s the most refreshing and healthy breakfast in Canggu. Most western restaurants will offer this option in their breakfast menu but trust me when I say the best is at the Shady Shack!
11. A Famous Bali massage
The best thing to do in Canggu is to get a traditional Balinese massage. Canggu is known for its deep tissue and holistic treatment. The Balinese massage is one of my favourite styles.
In Canggu, there are plenty to choose from, and by no means have we tested them all.
Today, I go to IDAS Bodyworks in Canggu. They offer a wonderful 60-minute full-body, deep-tissue Balinese massage that you shouldn’t miss while you’re exploring Canggu.
⭐ BOOK: A Bali flower bath, massage & Tirta Empul experience!
12. A Fresh Coconut on the beach
Enjoy a fresh coconut – add rum for the coco locos – while feeling the sand under your toes has to be on everyone’s Bali bucket list! Bali is full of coconut trees just waiting to be enjoyed under the hot sun.
⭐ Pro tip >> Everywhere in Canggu will sell fresh young coconuts which range between 15,000 to 30,000 IDR (sometimes even 50,000! But we stay away from these spots…).
13. Health & Fitness
Canggu has become a hub for wellness and fitness enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of options for those seeking to stay healthy and active. It’s also a popular destination for a yoga retreat or a Boot Camp holiday experience!
Check out:
- Nivana Life: Social Wellness Club
- Omni: Social Wellness Club
- Fortitude Bali: Fitness & CrossFit Gym
14. Don’t Miss: A yoga class
Bali is a yogi’s dream! There’s a handful of good yoga studios in Canggu, but the best has to be MissionFlow. It offers a selection of classes for all levels and styles, making it a great place to try yoga for the first time.
Pro tip >> A good class to try out is MissionAlign if you’re a newbie, as it focuses on correct posture and alignment for the flows, but still challenging.
15. Don’t Miss: A Muay Thai class at Bali MMA
Muay Thai is a very popular sport that you will find throughout much of Asia, and is a ‘must try’ for any fitness or sports enthusiast. The sport has deep roots in Indonesia, and in Canggu, you will find the ultimate Muay Thai Gym.
It’s an extremely physical and demanding sport, which is great for the body and mind. At Bali MMA there’s the opportunity to partake in group classes but to really get an understanding and feel for this unique sport we recommend taking a one-to-one lesson.
16. Watch the sunset at Echo Beach
Echo beach has volcanic black sands that just scream to be squished between your toes! It’s also one of the best beaches to watch the famous Bali sunsets which are, no lie, incredibly breathtaking.
We’ve been so lucky to experience some epic sunsets of all colours and shades in the Bali sky. Echo beach is great as they have large squishy bean bags to relax on and the restaurants and bars which line the beach have very good food.
17. A surf lesson at Batu Bolong
Canggu is a surfer’s paradise, known for its world-class breaks and is one of the best places to learn to surf in Bali.
If you’ve never been on a surfboard before, Canggu is a good place to start. The break at Batu Bolong beach is perfect, providing a double wave break, meaning there’s double the chance of catching a wave, and it’s super gentle.
⭐ BOOK: Learn the basics of this exciting water sport, or improve your technique, with this private surf lesson in Canggu.
Pro tip > Surfing can be extremely fun, but it’s also very dangerous. You need to be a strong swimmer and be careful when hitting the water to land sideways so as not to hit the rocky bottom of Canggu’s shores.
18. Deep-fried sweet potato and banana
AKA: Pisang Goreng (fried banana) and Ubi Goreng (fried sweet potato).
For a quick snack, look for roadside stalls selling their deep-fried banana or sweet potatoes. These are best when fresh, which is guaranteed in the morning. So pick your stall and make haste early on for a yummy (but naughty) breakfast!
P.S. These treats are also really affordable, typically costing 10,000-20,000 IDR per portion, which is normally enough for one person (you should get around 5 pieces).
19. Charcoal ice cream
Secret Gelato in Berawa (and now in Canggu) has the most delicious ice cream and sorbets at fantastic prices. There’s a huge selection of fruit flavours, chocolates, and sorbets, and they also offer a party pack promo: buy 2, get 1 free on their 500ml tubs!
The must-try flavour is charcoal, which is visually unique and refreshing, while great for detoxifying the body. Another great choice is the salted caramel, of course!
20. Stay In A Luxury Villa
Staying in a luxury villa in Canggu offers a truly indulgent and relaxing experience. A luxury villa in Canggu typically features top-of-the-line amenities, such as private pools, spacious living areas, beautifully manicured gardens, and stunning views.
Here are my suggested top stays at luxury villas in Canggu:
Theanna Eco Villa and Spa
Theanna Villa and Spa Canggu offer luxury villas with private pools. You can enjoy pampering massages at the spa centre. The property also provides the use of free bicycles and a free shuttle service to the surrounding areas and free Wi-Fi.
Location: Batu Bolong Beach is 1.1 miles away, while Echo Beach is 1.2 miles from Theanna Villa and Spa Canggu. Ngurah Rai International Airport is 6.8 miles away.
Komea Villa
Komea Villa offers boutique accommodation and provides one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas with free WiFi and a private pool. Featuring modern Indonesian décor and a spacious tropical garden. You can enjoy a relaxing body massage, cycling and horse riding. The resort provides car and motorbike rental services, as well as shuttle services.
Location: It is a 5-minute drive away from Brawa Beach, Batu Bolong Beach. The Seminyak area is a 10-minute drive away. It is a 35-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
La Reserve 1785 Canggu Beach
La Reserve 1785 Canggu Beach features an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a terrace and a bar in Canggu. This 5-star hotel offers a concierge service and a tour desk. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiF.
Location: Pererenan Beach is 0.9 miles from the hotel, while Echo Beach is 1 mile away. The nearest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport, 11.8 miles.
Blossom Eco Luxe Villas by Ekosistem
Blossom Eco Luxe Villas by Ekosistem offers a bohemian contemporary eco-conscious living with a swimming pool. The villa retreat is set right in the heart of Canggu, Bali’s Digital Nomad capital.
Location: La Laguna Bali is 1.6 miles from Blossom Eco Luxe Villas by Ekosistem. The nearest airport is Ngurah Rai International Airport, 11.2 miles from the accommodation
21. Rent A Scooter For The Day
Moving between the beaches in Canggu is easy enough, as you can walk along the beach and use shortcuts through rice paddies. However, for the ultimate Bali experience, the best way to get around the Island of Gods is to rent a scooter.
You’ll have total freedom to explore where you want and visit areas you wouldn’t normally head to. You can stay in Canggu or head further away. A good trip is down to Uluwatu or Ubud for the day!
I went on a 4-week Bali road trip around the coast and had the best time exploring off-the-beaten-path Bali! If you’re serious about renting a scooter in Bali you should think about doing a road trip too!
🛵 BEST BALI BIKE RENTAL!
If you want to rent a scooter in Bali as we did, you’re going to need a comfortable bike. I recommend BIKAGO, they are a popular Bali-based bike rental company. 🤗
Pro tip >> Keep in mind the latest is that Canggu traffic is really bad, so make sure to plan your trips outside of rush hours.
Where Is Canggu?
Canggu is a cool little village on the southwestern coast of Bali in Indonesia. It’s just about 10 kilometres north of the hustle and bustle of Kuta, and around 20 kilometres northwest of the capital, Denpasar.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and fun spot to hang out in Bali, then Canggu is definitely worth checking out. With its sun-kissed boho vibe and happy-go-lucky energy, it’s a great place for you to unwind and meet people in Bali.
Is It Better To Stay In Seminyak Or Canggu?
Deciding whether it’s better to stay in Seminyak or Canggu really depends on your personal preferences and what you’re looking for in your Bali experience.
I’ve spent a few nights in Seminyak. It’s a bustling spot with great nightlife, resorts, a lovely beach, and numerous shops and cafes. It’s a hub for holiday makers while Canggu attracts more expats and long-stay digital nomads.
Location
Seminyak is closer to the airport and other popular tourist destinations like Kuta, Uluwatu and Legian; however, Canggu really isn’t that far away either.
Both destinations are convenient if you want to explore different areas of Bali. But, Seminyak might be a little more convenient to explore South Bali, especially if you don’t have your own transport.
Accommodations
Both Seminyak and Canggu offer a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to high-end luxury villas. However, Canggu is more known for its luxury villa offerings.
Atmosphere
I love the vibe in Canggu and feel that since Seminyak is more developed, it’s lost a lot of its unique appeal and is rammed with tourists.
That said, Canggu is very busy now, too. It also has lots of cafes and shops, and the beach vibe, but it’s definitely more laid-back. Think more bars and live music nights while Seminyak is fancy restaurants and clubs.
If you want to visit a quieter spot in Bali and experience a more authentic trip consider heading to the small fishing village of Amed on the east coast.
👉 Related Post: We really enjoyed our time in Amed and have put together this guide on the best things to do in Amed, so if you do decide to head there you’ll know what to expect!
Beaches
Both Seminyak and Canggu have nice beaches, but they have different vibes. Seminyak has more developed beaches with lots of bars and restaurants. Although Canggu can also have busy beaches the areas between the different beaches are less developed, quieter and more chilled with fewer crowds.
Taking this all into consideration, my personal opinion is that Canggu is a better place to stay than Seminyak. Ultimately, they are both tourist hot spots and provide a similar experience. If you want a more traditional Bali holiday consider heading elsewhere!
How To Get To Canggu, Bali
Canggu is located on the southwestern coast of Bali, and there are several ways to get there depending on your starting point. Here are some options:
From Bali’s International Airport
Are you coming to Canggu straight from the airport? The easiest way to get to Canggu from the airport is to take a taxi. You can pre-arrange a taxi through your hotel, pre-book airport transfer online or use a ride-hailing app like Grab or Gojek.
From Other Areas In Bali
If you’re coming from another area in Bali, such as Ubud, the easiest way to get to Canggu is to hire a private driver or take a taxi. It’s also possible to jump on a shuttle bus which hotels and hostels sometimes organise or you can book online.
An option for travelling around Bali if you want to visit multiple areas is to hire a private driver for your trip. Since Bali is an affordable country this is actually really feasible and is a great way to explore the country with a friendly local.
Bike or Car Rental
We’ve already covered renting a scooter in Bali, but you can also rent a car. Cars are much more convenient if you’re travelling with a family or in a group. Exploring Bali at your own leisure is a fun way to discover the Island of Gods!
How Long Should You Spend In Canggu?
Bali is a very popular holiday destination where people generally visit anywhere from 10 days to 4 weeks! There are a lot of activities on the island to make any holiday to Bali fun, exciting and relaxing.
Depending on your reasons for visiting Canggu, your budget and how long you have in Bali your decision about how much time to spend in Canggu will be impacted. It isn’t uncommon to visit Canggu during a short backpacking trip around southeast Asia.
In truth, Canggu is fast becoming a must-visit destination.
👉 Related Post: Are you thinking of visiting Bali for a few weeks? I’ve put together the ultimate 3-weeks-in-Bali adventure itinerary for those of you who love a thrill-seeking holiday. Only there for a short trip? Check out our How To Spend 5 Days In Bali!
However, here are some suggestions for the number of days you might want to spend in Canggu, depending on your type of trip.
- Backpacking trip – 2 days
- Beach holiday – 10 days
- Adventure holiday – 5 days
- Road trip in Bali – 3 days
What Canggu Isn’t Known For!
While Canggu is a popular destination for many travellers, it may not be the right fit for you. By now, you should know exactly what Canggu is known for but to recap: it’s known for its beach culture, lively atmosphere and range of dining and entertainment.
Therefore, if you’re not interested in spending time on the sand or in the ocean, you may find that there’s not much to do there. We did feel that Canggu lacked a certain cultural charm and although there are things to do and see in Canggu if you’re after Balinese heritage there are better places to visit in Bali, like Ubud.
You might also want to skip Canggu if you prefer a quiet and authentic Bali experience. Although Canggu is less crowded than some other areas of Bali, it can still be quite busy and noisy, especially during peak travel seasons.
Traffic and pollution can be a problem in Canggu too. The roads can be congested with motorbikes and cars, and the air quality may not be the best, especially during the dry season.
All of that said, I still recommend visiting Canggu as it’s a great place, just don’t have unrealistic expectations!
Can You Walk In Canggu?
In truth, we didn’t do a lot of walking in Canggu as we had our scooters. There are some areas where you can walk but it’s not the most pedestrian-friendly destination in the world.
Some of the roads are narrow and congested with traffic, especially during rush hours, and not all roads have pavement. In Bali, especially Canggu, when traffic is bad people even ride their scooters along the pavement to get through!
There are some parts of Canggu, particularly the beach areas and Batu Bolong Street, that do have pavement and so are more walkable than others.
Is Canggu A Party Town?
While Canggu does have a lively nightlife scene, it’s not typically thought of as a party town in the same way that Kuta or Seminyak are. However, it’s becoming more popular and tons of venues are popping up around Canggu so there are plenty of places to enjoy a night out.
The atmosphere in Canggu is generally more laid-back and relaxed with beachfront lounging and daytime drinking along the beach. The area and people who visit still focus on wellness, fitness and outdoor activities, such as yoga and surfing.
The good thing about Canggu is that there are a variety of bars and restaurants that cater to everyone, from rooftop lounges to cosy cafes. Whether you’re looking for a quiet night out or a more energetic vibe, you’ll find plenty of options in Canggu.
However, if you’re looking for an all-night party scene, you may want to consider other areas of Bali like Kuta or Seminyak.
Is The Rest Of Indonesia Worth Visiting?
With the above in mind, Canggu is somewhere worth visiting in Bali, but it’s also part of a larger country. Indonesia is a much less explored part of Southeast Asia, but it is a huge country!
It’s made up of thousands of islands (over 17,000) and has one of the most unique cultures in the world. So, why is Indonesia worth visiting?
👉 Did you know that the Komodo National Park is in Indonesia? Find out if Komodo Island is Worth Visiting.
End Note: Things To Do In Canggu & What It’s Known For
Now that you literally know what Canggu is known for and what it’s all about you can make your own decisions as to whether it’s a place you want to visit or not.
If you are going I hope I have equipped you with everything you need to know to make your trip epic! We really enjoyed Canggu and thought it was incredible.
I loved reminiscing about our time there and all the little things which made it so special. Some of these things to do in Canggu might be a little silly or even obvious, but trust me, no trip to Bali is complete unless you try everything on this list!
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